Can CBD Oil Treat Asthma Symptoms?
Asthma is one of the world’s most common noncommunicable diseases, affecting up to 30% of the global population.
It’s best known for triggering breathing difficulties, a symptom which occurs as a result of the swelling of breathing tubes, but the side effects of poorly controlled asthma can take on many forms, from feeling tired, anxious or depressed to experiencing delays in growth or puberty.
Although the management of asthma should always be overseen by a healthcare professional, many people adopt lifestyle changes and use natural remedies to keep the discomfort of symptoms at bay. These include breathing exercises, an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements such as CBD oil.
CBD Oil for Asthma: The Science
Asthma is characterised by chronic lung inflammation, so when looking at natural supplements to support yourself, exploring anti-inflammatory potential is key, and that’s exactly what researchers have been investigating when it comes to CBD.
In one animal study looking at lung inflammation in mice, it was reported that CBD ‘decreased the inflammatory and remodelling processes in the model of allergic asthma.’
Other studies have also noted how cannabis oil extract appears to ‘improve breathing’ by acting as a bronchodilator (something which causes the widening of airways for better breathing), a property also possessed by Pinene, generally the most abundant terpene in cannabis (and, in fact, in nature).
While promising, none of this is enough for anyone to go and replace their inhaler or medical advice with CBD oil. Research into this specific area is still young and there’s a long way to go before we fully understand how CBD and cannabis might be used for someone with asthma.
Can I Vape CBD if I Have Asthma?
While it’s understandable that you might think a CBD vape would be helpful for asthma, it’s important to understand that, generally speaking, breathing in anything other than oxygen is probably not a great idea if you have a lung condition.
Although research so far shows that vaping is less harmful than smoking, vapour can still irritate the lungs, even if they are completely healthy! With this in mind, if you’re someone with asthma who is thinking about trying CBD, opt for oral drops or capsules and gummies to be on the safe side.
Does CBD Increase Oxygen?
COVID brought about some pretty amazing studies exploring how CBD might play a part in treatment.
Within this, researchers reported CBD’s potential to raise oxygen levels and reduce inflammation, as well as physical lung damage. However, this was performed on cells in a lab, not on a human subject, so the results have yet to be fully determined.
Is CBD Okay for Asthmatics?
Unless you’re allergic to hemp or any ingredients used in your chosen CBD oil, there certainly doesn’t seem to be anything to suggest that one shouldn’t use CBD products with asthma.
But, as above, it would probably be a good idea to skip vaping and opt for CBD oil, CBD gummies or CBD capsules instead. Thankfully, Orange County has the lot!
How Should I Take CBD for Asthma?
If you have asthma and you’re thinking about taking CBD oil, aside from avoiding CBD vapes, the instructions for use are standard. Start with a low dose (a few drops every 2-3 hours is ideal) and gradually build up until you feel it’s working for you.
It can take time for CBD to accumulate in the body and produce results, so stick with it for at least a month and be consistent. If you miss a dose, don’t worry; just try to keep it up and take it when you remember! The FSA recommends not exceeding 70mg of CBD per day, but CBD has been safely used in studies in doses up to 1500mg!
If you have any concerns about using CBD alongside the medication you use to treat asthma, be sure to consult a medical professional before adding it to your lifestyle. And remember, CBD oil is not intended to treat or cure any illness or disease.
Using a CBD supplement is a great thing to do to keep your overall well-being in balance, but do not try to replace or go without your regular medication without your doctor’s guidance and supervision.